Awards
2010
Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence AssociationLeadership Award
Illinois Eye InstituteVisionary Award
2009
Center On HalstedHuman First Award
Illinois Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Association (IADDA)Legislative Leadership Award
Lakeview Action CoalitionGregory Dell Award
Lakeview PantryDonor of the Month
The Chicago Jewish NewsChicagoan of the Year
2008
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Org.Best Legislative Voting Record
NAMI Illinois (National Alliance on Mental Illness)Legislator of the Year
The Arc of IllinoisLegislator of the Year
2007
AIDSCareCommunity Leadership Award
American Cancer SocietyIn Recognition of Leadership in Passing the Smoke-Free Illinois Act
Illinois Environmental Council100% Pro-environmental Voting Record
Illinois Maternal & Child Health CoalitionLegislator of the Year
Jane Addams Senior CaucusIn Recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Service Toward Improving the Community Care Program
Susan G. Komen for the CureKomen Champion for the Cure
Women's Bar Association of IllinoisWomen with Vision Award
2006
American Legion, 6th District CouncilCertificate of Appreciation for Support and Promotion of the Legion
Applied Research Center"A" Grade for Votes on Legislative Issues that Promote Racial Equality
Children's Home & Aid Society of IllinoisOutstanding Leadership and Advocacy
Families and Children's AIDS NetworkAdvocacy Award
Gay Games VII100 Champions
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Org.2006 Best Legislative Voting Record Awards, Honorable Mention
Junior League of ChicagoRecognition of Support
Supportive Housing Providers AssociationThree-Legged Stool Award for Commitment to Funding Supportive Housing
2005
About Face TheatreLeppen Leadership Award
Illinois Committee For Honest GovernmentDistinguished Service Award
Illinois Environmental Council100% Environmental Voting Record Awards
Illinois Primary Health Care Associatioin2005 Legislative Recognition Award
NAMES Project Foundation, AIDS Memorial QuiltHopeful Spirit Award
Northeastern IL University ScholarshipNamed in Honor of Rep. Feigenholtz
Planned Parenthood IllinoisRichard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award
Progress Center for Independent Living2005 Legislative Award
2004
Chicago Association of Retarded CitizensSenate President Emil Jones, Jr. Leadership Award
Chicago Free PressFavorite Local Politician
Children's PlaceChildren's Hero Award
Equality IllinoisDistinguished Legislature Award
Guild for the BlindWilliam F. Lynch Service Award
Illinois Environmental Council Award100% Environmental Voting Record Award
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct OrganizationBest Legislative Voting Record Award
Prevent BlindnessWomen of Vision
2003
AIDS Foundation of ChicagoLeadership and Vision in the Fight Against AIDS
AIDS Legal CouncilAdvocate of the Year
Champaign County Health Care ConsumersLegislative Leadership Award
Community Behavioral Health Care Association of IllinoisLegislator of the Year Award
Friend of Consumer AwardThe Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications
Howard BrownFriend for Life Award
Palliative Care Center & Hospice of the North Shore2003 Legislative Service Award
The Children's Place AssociationChildren's Hero Award
Thresholds Special Recognition AwardService to the Mental Health Community
Vital BridgesFood for Life Award
2002
Congregation or Chadash CongregationLegislator of the Year
Congressional Coalition on Adoption InstituteAngels in Adoption
Hearts FoundationBiggest Heart Award
Mitzvah AwardJewish Council for Youth Services
TransGenesisPhenomenal Friend of the Community
2001
Campaign for Better Health CareLegislator of the Year
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of FameInductee as Friend of the Community
Chicago HousePublic Service Award
Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in IllinoisSen. Penny Severn's Memorial Award
D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group)Extraordinary Community Service
Equality IllinoisDistinguished Legislator Award
Illinois Psychological AssociationOutstanding Legislator
Illinois Public Health AssociationLegislative Award of Appreciation
Midwest Democracy CenterAdvocate of Democracy Award
2000
Chicago Teachers UnionLead 2000 Award
Illinois Primary Health Care AssociationLegislator of the Year
1999
Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems AssociationOutstanding Legislator
Test Positive Aware NetworkTPAN Visionary Award
1998
Lead Elimination Action DriveLeadership Award
1997
IMPACTHuman Rights Hero Award